
NEW DELHI: IN a continuation of provocative statements over Kashmir originating from Pakistan, Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin on Monday threatened of a nuclear war between the two arch rivals if the vexed issue was not resolved.
Salahuddin, on the National Investigation Agency’s Most Wanted List, held a press conference in Karachi and said, “Pakistan is duty bound, morally bound, politically bound and constitutionally bound to provide concrete, substantial support to the ongoing freedom struggle on the territory of Kashmir. And, if Pakistan provides this support, there is a great chance of a nuclear war between the two powers,” said Salahuddin.
“If a peaceful solution is not reached then Pakistan should consider cutting off diplomatic ties with India over the killing of Wani,” he said.
Salahuddin’s rash comment about a nuclear Armageddon between the two neighbours armed with nuclear bombs has been consistent with Pakistani authorities threatening to use nukes in case of a war with India. This has caused a lot of concern among global powers about the safety of nuclear weapons in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu chastised Pakistan for allowing perpetrators of terror attacks in India to roam free.
“They keep talking bad (like this) just for publicity. Pakistan must seriously think if encouraging such people is right,” the Union Minister said.
Relations between India and Pakistan have been steadily spiraling down with statements coming from Islamabad on Kashmir almost on a daily basis. The recent controversy over the alleged blacking out of the speech of Home Minister Rajnath Singh during the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation meet has done no good either.